True or False- You should have two to three servings of vegetables each day

False! The U.S. Department of Agriculture recommends that you have between five to nine servings of vegetables a day. This is because veggies are full of fiber and add a large amount of nutrients to your diet with a low amount of calories.

True or False- Vegetables can stifle your appetite

True! Vegetables are full of fiber. That means when you eat them, you get fuller faster. You can also eat large portions of veggies because your body breaks down the calories quickly while you are eating them.

True or False- Raw vegetables are better for you

False! Vegetable nutrition can go up or down, depending on the way that it is prepared. Some produce is most nutritious when cooked, like corn, while others are most nutritious when raw, like onions.

True or False- Vegetables are fat-free and cholesterol-free

True! Vegetables for all intents and purposes are both fat-free and cholesterol-free. About 95% of vegetables contain less than a gram of fat per serving.

True or False- All vegetables are created equal

False! Canned vegetables have more sodium than fresh veggies. Sometimes canned vegetables can have up to half the recommended daily amount of sodium, which is between 1,500 and 2,300 milligrams. People with hypertension and heart disease should be aware of this.

True or False- Vegetables can cause excessive gas and bloating

True! Because of the excessive amount of fiber, vegetables can have a gaseous effect on our bodies. The veggies that pack a massive punch are broccoli, brussels sprouts, cabbage, and asparagus. To avoid this gassy side effect, add fiber into your diet, little by little.

Enjoy your veggies and spread the word about why they are so darn good for you! Neighbors is here for you 24/7/365. Visit Neighbors Emergency Center to find an Emergency Room near you!

Food poisoning, or foodborne illness, is caused by ingesting food that is contaminated. The most common causes of food poisoning are bacteria, viruses, parasites, and toxins. Contamination occurs when food is not handled correctly while it is being cooked. 

In Home Poisons

The key to avoiding poisoning in the home is to practice safe storage habits. Certain items must be stored away, out of reach, and out of sight of children. These items include all medications, tobacco, alcohol, cleaning and laundry supplies, pesticides and insect repellent, batteries, oils and lubricants, personal care products, and chemicals.

If for any reason you or your child ingest anything concerning read the label of the substance and call your local poison center (1-800-222-1222) or 9-1-1.

Over-the-counter medicine safety

Over 10,000 kids under the age of 18 visit emergency departments everyday due to the improper use of over-the-counter medicines. It is crucial that the parents and guardians of teenagers discuss the safe use and storage of OTC medicines. 

Prevention tips are key to keeping your loved ones safe. For more information, or if you have any questions, please call your local poison control center at 1-800-222-1222. Neighbors Emergency Center has multiple in centers opening in Texas. Be sure to check out our Facebook Page for neighborly news and updates.

Practice a new bedtime

Gradually introduce a new bedtime to your child. That way when daylight saving time begins, your child is somewhat acclimated. A week or so before daylight saving time starts, put your child to bed 5-15 minutes earlier. Then, 1 to 2 days before daylight saving, put your child to bed 20-30 minutes earlier. When it’s finally time to move the clock forward an hour, your child will be ready to go to bed at an earlier time.

Keep naps regular

Try to keep nap times as regular as possible. Parents can make the mistake of letting their child sleep in the day after daylight saving time begins. Instead, wake your child up at the same time. You may think denying them of this rest will cause them to be sleep deprived; however, if you do let them sleep, they may not be able get to bed on time in the evening. This will lead to an overall more difficult adjustment to the new sleep schedule.

Wake up earlier

Waking your child up earlier may be the best tactic if you have not practiced a new bedtime. When daylight saving begins, wake your child up an hour earlier. This will cause them to be sleepier in the evening, allowing them to be put to bed much earlier. This will start a healthy sleep cycle of falling asleep and waking up at the appropriate time.

Remember, as an adult you will adjust to daylight saving time much easier than your child. However, these tips will work for your sleep schedule just as well! Neighbors Emergency Center has more centers opening in Texas. Be sure to check out our Facebook Page for neighborly news and updates. We are so excited to serve the Kerrville community!

Here are the top 5 New Year’s Resolutions that people generally make:

1- Stay fit and healthy

2-Lose weight

3-Enjoy life to the fullest

4- Spend less, save more

5- Spend more time with family and friends

Any of these on your list? Most people tend to let their resolutions slide away, but we know you won’t! Whether you’re mastering your list, or you need a little help, Neighbors has some tips on how to get your resolutions to stick.

Make one change at a time

After all, just one resolution can cause for multiple tiny changes within it. For example the resolution of eating better means more grocery shopping, more cooking, and less going to social events. That’s a lot of changes! Take your list one step at a time.

Make a realistic plan

Okay, so you want to spend more time with your family this year. Perhaps originally your plan was to pop over to your parents house every single Sunday.

That may not be so realistic. Start by committing to something simple, and then when you’ve mastered that, take another step forward. For example, commit to visiting your parents one Sunday a month. Then once you’ve successfully accomplished that for 3-4 months, feel free to commit to two Sundays a month. A good plan will yield good results.

Don’t get down on yourself

So, some of your resolutions are not going as planned. Perhaps you had a cheat week with food that makes you feel doomed, or you’ve already blown through the budget you made in January.

Our temptation can be to completely throw it out the window.   Don’t do that! Simply refocus, make a new plan and start again! You can readjust your resolutions to help yourself be more successful!

Neighbors Emergency Center supports your start to a healthier lifestyle. Check our Facebook page to stay updated on what Neighbors is doing in your community and new center openings. With our 24-hour emergency rooms in Texas we can treat you quickly and effectively so you can get back to doing what you love.

Drink clean filtered water- and lots of it!

The best way to drink your water is at room temperature or warm. That way your body doesn’t use excess energy warming it up. As a result the water you drink will be more hydrating and beneficial to your body. Staying well hydrated is key to your health. After all, our bodies are made up of 75% water!

Meditate

Spending time meditating each day can do wonders for your mind, and your body! You can meditate for as little as one minute, all the way up to an hour! Focus on your breathing, and emptying your mind. Remember, thoughts may come and go as you meditate, and that’s fine! Just acknowledge them, and let them slip away!

Skip the Sugar

Sugary drinks can become something we reach for without even thinking. From soda, to artificial juices, they are all around us. However, these drinks are filled with an excess amount of sugar that can end up dragging you down, and negatively affecting your body. A solution is to drink healing herbal tea instead. Teas are filled with tons of antioxidants, and can be very satisfying. They come in multiple flavors and are refreshing both hot, and cold.

Enjoy Exercise

Sometimes when we think of exercise, we take it to the extreme. We imagine running full force on a treadmill, or doing an insane amount of sit-ups and push-ups. Remember, low-key exercise is just as beneficial to your body! Enjoy a walk in nature, do yoga, or simply stretch for a bit before bed. All of these will cause endorphins to surface, making you happier, and boost your immune system!

Unwind after traveling

It is important that you give yourself plenty of time to unwind if you have been traveling during the holiday season. Try and give yourself a day, or night of recovery before heading back to work. This will allow you to unpack and destress. You will find that simply having time to come home and read a book, or watch a t.v. show before getting a good night’s sleep and beginning another work week very helpful.

Don’t skip your workout

Feeling sluggish from all the holiday celebrating? Skipping your morning run, or afternoon yoga class to get some extra rest may seem like the solution. However, your favorite self care activities will give you energy and recharge you. After being active your stress levels will drop. In addition, you can begin to combat those extra holiday calories enjoyed.

Don’t overextend your schedule

Right after the holidays and before the New Year may seem like a perfect time to catch up with friends, or finish those work projects that you left on hold. But, putting too much on your plate can lead to post-holiday stress. Give yourself a couple weeks of breathing room when making plans with friends and family. In addition, reevaluate and don’t be afraid to extend any work deadlines. Prioritize what is important and base your schedule around these things.

Neighbors Emergency Center hopes your holiday season was filled with heart-warming moments with family. Check our Facebook page to learn more about our new emergency centers. With our 24 hour emergency rooms throughout the Houston metro area, we can treat you quickly and effectively so you can get back to doing what you love.

This is due to multiple reasons, including the psychological assumption that because you are consuming a diet drink with no calories you are more justified in indulging in unhealthy foods.

It is essential for our bodies, and adds positive value to your overall health. If you are craving for some added flavor, mix some fruit into your water. Or, if you want that soda fizziness you love, try sparkling water.

Neighbors Emergency Center offers 24 hour care, 365 days a year, and our board certified emergency physicians can treat all medical emergencies. We know you’re time is important, so we will treat you quickly and effectively so you can get back to doing what you love. Our emergency centers are located in the Houston area. Be sure to stay updated on our new location in Tyler coming soon! If you are looking for a quality emergency room with little to no wait time, come to Neighbors Emergency Center.

Move Around More – Get active, and your brain will see the benefits. In your brain there is a specific area that handles memories called the striatum. When comparing athletes to non-athletes, a study found that athletes had a larger striatum. Those who exercise regularly can up the size of their hippocampus brain memory by 2 percent.

Know what is Normal Memory Loss—As you get older, memory loss is inevitable. However, you should identify what is normal memory loss, and what may be excessive. They best way to do this is to compare yourself to other people your age. If you can’t seem to remember where you parked the car, but your friends easily can, there may be a problem.

Drink Up– Caffeine can improve your memory and protect your focus. Having a cup of caffeine 30 minutes before you need a boost of brain power is well worth the effects. However, limit your caffeine intake. Too much caffeine can actually hurt your cognitive performance.

Turn on Some Music– While you’re at work throughout the day listen to music. Studies have shown that it actually enhances your cognitive performance. It strengthens your ability to stay alert, and stay focused. When selecting your music choice, but sure to keep it light. Simple songs will keep you focused on the task at hand, but complex songs could cause your brain to get distracted.

Chew Gum– Chew a stick of gum 20 minutes before the big presentation. When looking at students, studies found that chewing gum before a test resulted in better test scores. Chewing gum causes a neural arousal that boosts your brainpower. Such a simple act can come in handy daily.

Neighbors Emergency Center supports your start to a healthier lifestyle. With a 24 Hour Emergency Room in Houston, we can treat you quickly and effectively you can get back to doing what you love. NEC now has a Beaumont Emergency Center and El Paso Emergency Center both providing 24 hour emergency care by board certified ER physicians. We know you’re time is important, so we will treat you quickly and effectively so you can get back to doing what you love. If you are looking for a quality emergency room with little to no wait time, come to Neighbors Emergency Center.

only 33 percent of girls and 8 percent of boys used soap. Children generally get colds because they constantly touch their eyes and nose with germy hands. These cold virus germs quickly spread, but can easily be prevented. If your child has a field trip, or outdoor event, be sure to provide them with hand sanitizing gel or wipes as an alternative.

to prevent their germs from spreading. The spreading of germs can also be prevented by prepping your child with what should and should not be shared at school. Items such as lip balm, lotions, earbuds, and locker towels should be viewed as personal times.

All these things attribute to having a healthy child from the inside out.

Neighbors Emergency Center supports your start to a healthier lifestyle. With a 24 Hour Emergency Room in Houston, we can treat you quickly and effectively you can get back to doing what you love. NEC now has a Beaumont Emergency Center and El Paso Emergency Center both providing 24 hour emergency care by board certified ER physicians. We know you’re time is important, so we will treat you quickly and effectively so you can get back to doing what you love. If you are looking for a quality emergency room with little to no wait time, come to Neighbors Emergency Center.